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We do IT differently.

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The Pittsburgh Business Data Backup & Cloud Security Guide

Let’s talk backups. The kind that keeps your business running after a ransomware attack, server crash, or a coffee spill on your only laptop. For Pittsburgh businesses (or anywhere else, really), data protection is no longer optional.  

As a local Pittsburgh Managed Service Provider (MSP), Sierra Experts has certified data recovery specialists to design layered backup strategies. After witnessing too many businesses lose everything to single-point failures we have created a Pittsburgh IT Guide on data backups and security, just for you.   

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Insight Tip: We test every client’s backup monthly. In our 15+ years of service, we noticed that untested backups fail
40% of the time when businesses need them most. 

Layered Backup Solutions for Pittsburgh Businesses

Gone are the days of saving files to a USB and calling it secure. According to Veeam, a leading provider in backup solutions, implementing multiple backup layers allows faster recovery and stronger protection against data loss. 

Sierra Experts recommends a layered backup strategy that includes: 

∙ Local backups for quick access and recovery 

∙ Cloud backups for offsite redundancy and disaster recovery 

∙ Automated scheduling so you’re not relying on anyone to click “save” 

What is Cloud Security?

If any part of your business is in the cloud (and most are), security is critical. Convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. Key measures include: 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access 

∙ Data encryption in transit and at rest 

∙ Regular audits and compliance checks, especially for healthcare, finance, and legal industries) 

∙ 24/7 monitoring for real-time threat detection 

Protecting Business Data in the Cloud

Data breaches cost businesses $4.88 million on average (IBM Security, 2024), underscoring the importance of layered cloud security strategies. The leading cause? Compromised login credentials that unlock entire cloud environments.   

Zero Trust Architecture Implementation

Smart businesses deploy multiple defense layers beyond basic authentication. Zero trust architecture treats every access request as suspicious, requiring verification before granting system entry. Role-based access controls limit employees to only the data they need for their specific jobs. Advanced monitoring systems track unusual file movements and suspicious login patterns in real-time, while automated threat detection flags potential malware before it spreads. 

Compliance Requirements for Regulated Industries

For industries with strict regulations such as HIPAA for healthcare, automated compliance monitoring tracks adherence while proactive audits catch vulnerabilities early. Proactive cloud monitoring and frequent audits help minimize security gaps.  

By combining these practices, businesses can balance the convenience of cloud computing with the level of security required to protect sensitive data. 

Pittsburgh-Specific IT Challenges

While cybersecurity is a global concern, local factors significantly influence how businesses should prepare for and respond to threats.  

Local Factors Influence Preparation and Response for Pittsburgh and Western PA

Power Infrastructure and Weather Risks

Local Cybersecurity Threats

Advantages of Local IT Support

Allegheny County averages 12+ power disruptions per year, many due to storms or aging infrastructure. With increased flood risks, offsite and cloud storage adds a layer of physical disaster protection.  

Pittsburgh businesses are often targets due to our strong presence in education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors face above-average phishing and malware attempts. 

National cloud vendors can’t send someone to troubleshoot on-site when disaster strikes. We can. As a Pittsburgh-based team, we’re available for both remote and physical support when you need it most. 

Sierra Data Centers: Local Cloud Storage Solutions

Whether you’re storing terabytes of customer data or just keeping your team’s project files organized, choosing the right storage solution matters. 

Sierra Experts is more than just a managed IT service provider. We also operate Sierra Data Centers in Pittsburgh and Metro Columbus. Both locations offer secure, power-redundant environments for your data.  

Facility Features and Security

Each facility features A- and B-side power, secured individual locking racks, and caged spaces to keep your systems protected. With on-demand provisioning, you can instantly allocate resources, ensuring the capacity you need is available when you need it. 

Custom Storage Solutions

We designs custom storage solutions—on-prem, hybrid, or fully cloud-based—that scale with your business needs. 

Local storage with options like this means lower latency, better support, and faster recovery. 

What does your backup or cloud security plan look like?

Contact Sierra Experts for Pittsburgh IT Services

We’re local, we’re human, and we’ve been doing this for over 15 years.  

Want to learn more?  Call us 412-722-0707 or email Sales@SierraExperts.com.

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